Grazing...

I'm sure this question has been asked before & I'm sure there have been many different answers. After a year and one month, I've hit my goal & feel terrific. I still eat well & protein-protein-protein. What do you do about the grazing situation? When I do graze I eat well (no junk), but how much is to much? Amy 242/120/goal

Amy, as someone who is is more than 3 1/2 yrs out, this is what I do.... I eat in reverse...I eat HUGE breakfast, medium lunch and little or no dinner. I do this bc I work out in the morning before going to work. I find that if I eat almost all protein, I dont feel hungry during the day.... Heres a sample of a common pattern of eating (Im a creature of habit) BREAKFAST: 2 eggbeater omelette with Ham/Cheese & Mushroom & slice of 9grain toast SNACK: Starbucks Ice Tea LUNCH: Turkey Burger/Cheeseburger (no bun) and a side greek or cesear salad SNACK:SNACK: Starbucks Ice Tea DINNER: Ceral (raisin bran or honey nut cheerios) with skim milk SNACK: fruitbar by eddys or some almonds

I assoiciate the term "grazing" to mindless eating. Total up your calories for the day and make sure they are within whatever limits you have set for yourself. I have to eat a little something all day or else I feel wicked hungry, so for me, snacking is not such a bad thing, I usually will have 3 snacks a day, so long as it's all good stuff, and I account for the calories. Michelle

Amy, ". . . but how much is too much?" That's a hard question, but your result (how well you are maintaining) is probably your best answer. By definition, grazing isn't a good habit to get into, but most of us at this point in our journey probably succumb to it at times (or often!). Even if so far you're not eating junk, it's really easy to slide over into not-so-great choices. Evenings are often horrendous for me. This is hard work. This isn't something I can do all the time, but right now I'm working on a large counted cross-stitch picture for my daughter. She's getting married this summer, and the pic is a surprise. (It's a bouquet of calla lilies, which she is carrying in the wedding.) Doing this is a GREAT way not to graze--my hands are busy, and I don't want to pick up anything to nibble cause I'd have to stop & wash my hands before stitching! You've done a super job--120 lbs.--wow! Jo 295/150ish (at goal)

Amy, If you start to gain weight (other than normal 3-5 lbs of water) and you have not decreased your exercise, you are grazing too much. If you continue to lose weight, you are not grazing enough. If your weight is stable, congratulations! You've won the WLS prize. Carole

I think as long as you eat healthy snacks and don't over do the calories that you will be fine. People had different eating habits before wls and will continue to eat differently after surgery. Personally if I get my 60 grams of protein in for the day and don't go over 1100 calories I don't limit how many times I eat. I think the danger of grazing in the doctors minds is that we might slip back into old habits and graze on a package or two of Debbie cakes rather than 10 almonds. It's all about making conscious choices before we consume the food, and figuring out how a snack will fit into the daily nutritional requirements. Best of luck for your continued success.

Amy, I can relate to this post, thanks for putting it out there. I have found myself grazing periodically also, especially late in the evening. I am trying to be more aware of why....and think it is more out of boredom than anything. I do believe as long as we focus on what we eat and don't go overboard, keep our calories, carbs, protein, ect. in a range we are comfortable with, then it should be fine. Looks like for me eating extra snacks and such has helped me level off the lose and now I'm maintaining within a 2-3 lb range on a daily basis. Dana

You are all wonderful for answering me! I thought it was funny that I think about food more now than before the surgery. "What time is it, how much protein should I eat, how much water should I drink?" I graze more during the day. My intake has been small & like I said it's healthy stuff. I carry a before-picture with me every where I go. Should I even remotely go back to bad habits, I look at the picture & drink a glass of water.